JPH0816336A - Printer and state switching method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable switching from a second state to a first state from the side of the printer or any external device by holding either the first state of generating successive recording information or the second state of extracting any specified information from stored information, and performing switching from the second state to the first state while using a switching means. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a RAM 19 for storing input information, holding means for holding either the first state or the second state of extracting the specified information from the stored information and executing it, and CPU 12 for switching this state from the second state to the first state. Either the first state of generating the successive recording information from the information stored in the RAM 19 while using the CPU 12 or the second state of extracting the specified information from the information in the RAM 19 is held as the flag of the RAM 19. In this case, the held state is switched from the second state to the first state by any switching means, and switching from the second state to the first state is enabled from the side of the printer or the external device as well.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for generating recording information based on information input from an external device, and printing on a storage medium based on the generated recording information, and state switching of the printing apparatus. It is about the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printer in which a first state is an online state and a second state is an offline state will be described below as an example.

Conventionally, a general printer such as a laser beam printer has a function of being off-line in order to set the printer such as communication setting of RS-232C, font selection and cassette selection.

The above-mentioned offline state is an essential function for providing the user with basic functions related to communication with the host computer. Therefore, the transition to the offline state is generally done online / on the operation panel.
It is executed by the offline key.

In this case, when the online / offline key is pressed in the online state, the mode is changed to the offline state and various printer settings can be made. When the online / offline key is pressed again in the offline state, the mode is changed to the online state and offline. Printing can be performed based on the information set in the state.

On the other hand, in the offline state, data can be transmitted from the host computer to the printer,
The data is only stored in the buffer inside the printer, and no operation for printing is performed.

However, a specific print command called a direct command is executed even in an offline state. Direct commands are not directly related to drawing,
This is because it is an instruction related to control such as drawing.

[0008]

However, in the conventional printer, the transition from the offline state to the online state can be performed only by the operation of the online / offline key on the operation panel. However, there is a problem in that it is not easy to use, that is, when the user forgets to put the printer in the online state, prints from the host computer, and notices that the printer is in the offline state only after he goes to the printer to pick up the printed matter.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to sixth inventions of the present invention is to provide a command from the host side after the printing apparatus is put into an offline state. By returning to the online state automatically by instructing, online key instruction on the printing device side, timing processing after instructing the offline key, you forget to put it online and send print data from the host computer and store it in the buffer and print It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus excellent in operability and a method for switching the status of the printing apparatus, which can surely avoid the state of not being performed, that is, can automatically return the offline state to the online state.

[0010]

A first aspect of the present invention is an information input means for inputting information from an external device, and a recording for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input means. In a printing apparatus having an information generating means and an information printing means for recording the record information generated by the record information generating means, an input information accumulating means for temporarily accumulating the input information inputted by the information inputting means, A first state in which the record information generating unit sequentially generates record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit, and a second state in which specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit and executed. And a plurality of switching means for switching the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state. It is intended.

In a second aspect of the present invention, any one of the switching means is configured to switch the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state based on a key instruction. Is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in any one of the switching means, a state in which an instruction consisting of specific information is extracted from the information stored in the input information storage means, executed, and held in the holding means Is switched from the second state to the first state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second state, specific information input from the external device by the information input means is extracted and stored in the input information storage means. is there.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, information input means for inputting information from an external device, recording information generation means for generating recording information based on input information input by the information input means, and In a printing apparatus having an information printing means for recording the record information generated by the record information generating means, an input information accumulating means for temporarily accumulating the input information inputted by the information input means, and accumulating in the input information accumulating means. One of a first state in which the record information generating means sequentially generates record information from the stored information, and a second state in which specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and executed. Holding means for holding the above state, time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after the transition from the first state to the second state by a predetermined key instruction, and the time measuring means. Serial is provided with a means switching switches the second state held in the holding means in the first state in accordance with a predetermined time count end state.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, information input means for inputting information from an external device, recording information generation means for generating recording information based on input information input by the information input means, and From the information printing means for recording the record information generated by the record information generating means, the input information storage means for temporarily storing the input information input by the information input means, and the information stored in the input information storage means. Holds any one of a first state in which the record information generation unit sequentially generates record information and a second state in which specific information is extracted from the information stored in the input information storage unit and executed. In the second method, the input information is extracted by extracting specific information input by the information input means from the external device during the second state. A storing step for accumulating in the accumulating means; an instruction extracting step for extracting an instruction consisting of specific information from the accumulated information; and a state in which the extracted instruction is executed and retained in the retaining means as a second state. From the first state to the first state.

[0016]

In the first aspect of the present invention, the first state in which the record information generating means successively generates the record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means in the holding means and the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means. When any one of the second state in which specific information is extracted from the information and executed is held by the holding means, one of the switching means changes the held state from the second state. Switch to the first state,
From the second state to the first side from the printing device side or the external device side
It is possible to switch to the state of.

In the second invention, one of the switching means switches the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state based on a key instruction, and a direct instruction from the user. Then, the held state is switched from the second state to the first state.

In the third invention, any one of the switching means extracts a command consisting of specific information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means, executes the instruction, and holds the state held in the holding means. State is switched to the first state, an instruction from an external device is extracted during the second state, and the held state is switched from the second state to the first state.

In the fourth invention, during the second state,
Specific information input from the external device by the information input means is extracted and stored in the input information storage means, and information for switching to the first state even during the second state is received from the external device. It is possible.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the first state in which the record information generating means successively generates record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means are specified. After any one of the second state of extracting and executing the information of 1) is held in the holding means, the timekeeping means shifts from the first state to the second state by a predetermined key instruction. Of the predetermined time is started, and the switching means switches the second state held by the holding means to the first state in accordance with the predetermined time counting end state, and a key instruction to the second state is given. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the state is automatically switched to the first state.

In the sixth invention, during the second state,
The specific information input by the information input means is extracted from the external device and accumulated in the input information accumulating means, the command including the specific information is extracted from the accumulated information, and the extracted instruction is executed. The state held by the holding means is switched from the second state to the first state, the command from the external device is extracted during the second state, and the held state is changed from the second state to the first state. Switch to state.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an inkjet printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Needless to say, the printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer and the inkjet printer, and may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer. A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the above, and an image is formed on a recording paper or the like that is a recording medium.
Reference numeral 1501 is an operation panel on which switches for operation and LED displays are arranged, and 1000 is a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzing character information supplied from a host computer.

The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off the laser light 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is a rotating polygon mirror 1505.
Then, the electrostatic drum 1506 is swung in the left-right direction to perform scanning exposure on the electrostatic drum 1506.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 150 mounted on the LBP main body 1500.
8, the paper feed roller 1509 and the transport roller 1
It is taken into the apparatus by the 510 and the conveyance roller 1511 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in font. .

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of another printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the normal rotation of the drive motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with is a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An inkjet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 is a member that supports a cap member 5022 that caps the entire surface of the recording head, and 5015 is a suction unit that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 5017 is a cleaning blade,
The member 5019 enables movement in the front-back direction. 501
Reference numeral 8 denotes a main body supporting plate, which is the cleaning blade 501.
7. Support the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 is a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is movement-controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that the desired processing can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It suffices if it is configured so as to perform the desired operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the other printing apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701 and host print information, 1703 is a DRAM, and various data (the above-mentioned recording signal and head). The recording data etc. supplied to the.

A gate array 1704 controls supply of output data to the recording head 1708, and also controls data transfer between the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the DRAM 1703. 1710 is the recording head 1
A carrier motor for transporting 708, a transport motor for transporting recording paper 1709, a head driver 1705 for driving the recording head 1708, a motor driver 1706 for driving the transport motor 1709, 17
A motor driver 07 drives the carrier motor 1710.

When input information is input from the host computer 3000, which will be described later, through the interface 1700 in the printing apparatus thus configured, the input information is output between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 for printing. Is converted to. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the output information sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
It is connected to a host computer 3000 described later via 700, and one-way communication or two-way communication from the host computer 3000 to the printer is possible.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a printing apparatus, a host computer, and a control configuration according to the present invention, which corresponds to, for example, the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 as the printing apparatus.

As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices is a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on document programs stored in RAM 2 and ROM 3. Prepare,
CPU1 for each device connected to the system device 4
Has overall control.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown). A display controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
Then, it is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined one-way interface or bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and the input unit 18, and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font to the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
YSIWYG may be possible. Also, the CPU 1
Various windows registered based on a command designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 are opened, and various data processing is executed.

In the printer 1500, a printer CPU 12 includes various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. Access is collectively controlled, and an image signal as output information is output to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. In addition, the program RO of this ROM 13
In M, a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 is stored.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when the output information is generated, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 has a host computer in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. It stores the information used above. 19
Is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Reference numeral 20 is a disk controller.

The RAM 19 is an output information expansion area,
Used for environment data storage area, NVRAM, etc. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card described above is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data and the like. In addition, the input unit 18 is the operation panel 15 described above.
01, a switch for operation, an LED display and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing a program for interpreting different printer control languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Further, it may have an NVRAM (not shown) to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501. [First Embodiment] The operation when the operation panel 1501 is brought into the off-line state will be described below. Figure 5
4 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the printer 1500 illustrated in FIG.
The parts necessary for explaining the control circuit on the side are extracted and correspond to those shown in a little concrete manner.

In the figure, 200 is a communication LSI, and 20 is a communication LSI.
Reference numeral 1 is an interrupt signal generated from the communication LSI, 202 is an address bus, and 203 is a data bus.

First, the CPU 12 initializes the communication LSI 200 immediately after the printer is powered on. As the parameter for initialization, the setting information stored in the ROM 13 or the setting information stored in the NVRAM (not shown) is used.

The initialized communication LSI 200 exchanges data with the host computer 3000 via the data lines TX and Rx while being controlled by the control lines RTS and CTS.

Focusing on the received data, when the data is received, the communication LSI 200 causes the interrupt signal 201
Is activated to notify the CPU 12 that data has been received via an interrupt controller (not shown).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to fourth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The first invention is an information input means (input section 18) for inputting information from an external device (host computer 3000), and a recording for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input means. Information generation means (C
(By the function of the PU 12) and an information printing unit (printing unit 17) for recording the record information generated by the record information generating unit, the input information input by the information input unit is temporarily stored. Input information storage means (a reception buffer secured on the RAM 19),
A first state (online state) in which the record information generating unit sequentially generates record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit, and specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit. Holding means (which is secured in the RAM 19) for holding any one of the second state (offline state) to be executed and the state held by this holding means from the second state to the first state. RAM provided with a plurality of switching means (by key function, key command, and timer timing by the function of CPU 12) for switching to
One of a first state in which the CPU 12 sequentially generates recording information from the information stored in 19 and a second state in which specific information (a direct command described later) is extracted from the information stored in the RAM 19 and executed. The state is RAM
When the flag is held as the flag No. 19, any one of the switching means switches the held state from the second state to the first state, and the second state is also set from the printing device side or the external device side. It is possible to switch from the first state to the first state.

In the second invention, any one of the switching means is
RAM 19 based on key instructions (operation panel 1501)
The state held in the second state is switched from the second state to the first state, and the state held in the second state is changed by the direct instruction of the user.
The state is switched to the first state.

In the third invention, any one of the switching means is
The CPU 12 is configured as a function of the CPU 12, extracts a command consisting of specific information from the information accumulated in the RAM 19, executes the command, and stores the state held as a flag of the RAM 19 in the CPU 12.
Switches from the second state to the first state, extracts a command from an external device during the second state, and switches the held state from the second state to the first state.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, during the second state, specific information (direct command in this embodiment) input from the external device (host computer 3000) by the information input means (input section 18) is extracted. Then, the information for accumulating in the input information accumulating means and for switching to the first state even during the second state can be received from the external device.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of received data in the off-line state.

FIG. 6 shows the communication LSI 200 shown in FIG.
6 is a block diagram of an essential part for explaining a data communication processing state according to FIG. 5, and the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 6, the host computer 300
The data transmitted from 0 is held in the buffer 206 in the communication LSI 200.

The buffer 206 in the communication LSI 200 has one
Is a few bytes and is read from the communication LSI internal buffer 206 into the buffer 1 secured in the RAM 19 by interrupt processing.

On the other hand, the buffer 204 as the buffer 1
The data read in is sequentially read in order to search for a direct command, and through a work area (not shown),
It is written in the buffer 205 as the buffer 2. The buffer 205 is an area reserved in the RAM 19 like the buffer 204.

Here, it is efficient to create the buffer as a ring buffer. Also, buffer 1 and buffer 2
May be the same area. Further, although the buffer is secured in the RAM 19 here, dedicated hardware may be prepared.

Now, the interrupt processing operation executed when an interrupt occurs in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of an interrupt processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (5) show each step.

First, when an interrupt occurs, the CPU 12 disables the interrupt and starts executing the interrupt processing program. Here, the buffer 20 in the communication LSI 200
Assuming that 6 is 1 byte, 1 character is read from the buffer in the communication LSI 200 (1). Then, the read data is written in the buffer 1 (2). Then, it is checked whether or not the buffer 1 is full (3). If the buffer 1 is full, the communication LSI 200 is controlled to make it unreceivable (4). After that, the interrupt is permitted (5), and the processing that was being performed when the interrupt is generated is restarted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the online switching method of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, in particular, by the process of moving data from the buffer 1 to the buffer 2 shown in FIG. An example will be described in which the offline state of the printer 1500 is switched to the online state by identifying and executing the direct command received from the host computer 3000 when offline. Note that (0) to (10) indicate each step.

First, waiting for buffer 1 to become "1" (0), one character is read from buffer 1 (1). If buffer 1 is empty, wait until data is written. Here, it is determined whether or not the buffer 1 is full (2). If the buffer 1 is full before reading one character from the buffer 1, the communication LSI 200 is controlled and the host computer 3000 side is ready to receive. Tell (3).

Then, the command is analyzed from the information read from the previously read data and the one character just read (4), and it is determined whether the command has been received (5). If a command is received, it is further determined whether the command is a direct command (6). If it is a direct command, the command is executed immediately (7). Otherwise, the character string of the command is stored in the buffer 2. Store (8) and return to step (1).

On the other hand, when the command is not received as a result of the command analysis process in the determination in step (5), an incorrect data string that does not conform to the predetermined grammar, whether it is in the middle of the command, or not. May be received (9), and if the data is incorrect, error processing may be performed (10) and the process may return to step (1).

On the other hand, when a command other than the direct command is received and the buffer 2 to be written is full, it is necessary to interrupt the processing.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the sixth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The sixth invention is an information input means (input section 18) for inputting information from an external device (host computer 3000), and a recording for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input means. Information generation means (C
(By the function of the PU 12), an information printing unit (printing unit 17) for recording the record information generated by the record information generating unit, and an input information storage unit for temporarily storing the input information input by the information input unit. (A reception buffer secured in the RAM 19), a first state in which the record information generating means sequentially generates record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means, and the accumulation state in the input information accumulating means. In the state switching method of the printing apparatus, which has a holding unit (flag on the RAM 19) for holding any one of a second state in which only specific information is extracted from the information and executed, A storage step of extracting specific information input from the information input means from an external device and storing the extracted information in the input information storage means (step (2) in FIG. 7,
A step (not shown) before step (1) in FIG.
An instruction extraction step (steps (4) to (6) in FIG. 8) of extracting an instruction consisting of specific information from the accumulated information,
A switching step (step (7) in FIG. 8) for executing the extracted instruction to switch the state held in the holding means from the second state to the first state The instruction from the external device is extracted and the held state is switched from the second state to the first state.

The above is the outline of the control on the printer side in the offline state centering on the host interface.

Although not described in detail here, it is necessary to perform control for various settings by the operation panel in the off-line state.

Here, the function of the direct command required in the following description will be briefly described.

The first is a command for inquiring the printer status. When this command is sent, the printer 1500 returns the current status to the host side. The status includes online / offline and normal / abnormal.

The other is a direct command to bring the printer 1500 online when the printer 1500 is offline. When the CPU 12 identifies that such a direct command is stored in the buffer 204, and when the direct command for switching from offline to online, the communication L is used to restore the offline state to the online state.
The online flag on the SI 200 is controlled to be switched to the ON state, and the online LED and the like of the operation panel 1501 is switched from the extinguished state to the lit state to the print data processing standby state. Direct commands are commands that are executed immediately even when offline.
There are commands other than the command to shift to the online state.

Next, the control on the host computer 3000 side will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the communication processing procedure on the host computer 3000 side shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

When performing a printing operation, the host computer 3000 first issues a command inquiring about the status of the printer (1). Then, the status (status) is received (2), it is judged whether it is an error status (3), and if it is an abnormal status (error), it is reported to the user (5) and the printing operation is ended. Alternatively, the user may wait until the normal state is reached until the user finishes.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, it is determined whether or not the printer is in the online state (4), and if the printer 1500 is in the normal state and is in the online state, a print command is issued. (9).

On the other hand, when the printer is in the normal state and in the offline state, that is, when the answer is NO in step (3) and the answer is YES in step (4), the user is informed whether or not to bring the printer online. (6).

Here, it is judged whether or not to bring it online (7), and if it is to be brought online, a direct command to bring it online is issued (8),
A print command is issued by bringing it online (9).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the online state is not set, the printing operation is ended.

It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-mentioned processing by software may be realized by hardware, or conversely, a part or all of the processing by hardware may be realized by software. [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the case where the direct command is used to change from the offline state to the online state has been described. However, in the second embodiment below, a timer is used to change from the offline state to the online state. An example will be described with reference to the offline / online control circuit diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of offline / online control in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 600 denotes a printer operation panel, 601 an online / offline key, 60
2 to 606 are other operation keys, 607 is a chattering prevention device, 608 is a state holding device, 609 is a timer, 6
Reference numeral 10 is an abnormality detection device. Note that G1 and G2 are AND gates. Further, the timer 609 may be configured by a programmable timer so that a desired time can be clocked and the user can freely customize the return time to the online after the offline.

Reference numeral 611 indicates the current state (online or offline).

First, when the state holding device 608 is in the offline state, when the online / offline key 601 is pressed, chattering is prevented by the chattering prevention device 607, and a pulse is generated by raising / lowering the online / offline key 601.

The state holding device 608 detects the rising of the input a and switches the held state. Then, the terminal c enters the High state. At this time, if an abnormal state such as door open or no paper is detected, the output of the abnormality detection device 610 becomes the High state, and the current state 61
1 is in the High state, that is, the online state.

The operation key 60 is operated while the timer 609 measures the time.
When the operation of pressing 2 to 606 is performed and released, the terminal B of the timer 609 detects a rising edge, initializes the value of the timer 609, and restarts time counting from the beginning.

With the circuit described above, the on-line and off-line states can be changed by key operation and the timer 609.

By detecting the change in the current state 611, the software executed in the online state and the software executed in the offline state can be switched.

By constructing such a system, the printer 1500 is automatically returned to the online state if the printer 1500 is not in the error state after a certain time has elapsed since the printer 1500 was put into the offline state and the panel operation was stopped. Can be made.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the fifth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 10.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an information input unit (input unit 18) for inputting information from an external device (host computer 3000), and a recording for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input unit. Information generation means (C
In the printing apparatus having the function of the PU 12) and the information printing unit (by the printing unit 17) for recording the record information generated by the record information generating unit, the input unit 18
Input information storage means (such as a reception buffer secured in the RAM 19) for temporarily storing input information input by
A first state in which the record information generating unit sequentially generates record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit, and only specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit and executed. A holding unit (a flag secured in the RAM 19) for holding any one of the second state and a predetermined key instruction measures a predetermined time after the first state is switched to the second state. A second holding means (timer 609), which is held by a flag in accordance with the predetermined time counting end state of the timer 609
Is configured to switch the state of the
Either the first state in which the CPU 12 sequentially generates the record information from the information stored in 19 or the second state in which the specific information is extracted from the information stored in the RAM 19 is executed as a flag. In the held state, by a predetermined key instruction (for example, the operation key 601), the timer 609 starts measuring a predetermined time after the transition from the first state to the second state, and responds to the predetermined time counting end state. CPU12
Switches to the first state from the second state held by the flag, and automatically switches to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed from the key instruction to the second state.

The above description has been made with hardware, but software may be used wherever possible.

Although the printer is connected to only one host computer in both the first and second embodiments, it may have a plurality of host interfaces and be connected to a plurality of host computers. Needless to say.

[0097]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the specific information is extracted from the first state in which the record information generating unit sequentially generates the record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit and the information accumulated in the input information accumulating unit. When the holding means holds any one of the second state and the second state to be executed, any one of the switching means switches the held state from the second state to the first state. The printing apparatus side or the external apparatus side can also switch from the second state to the first state.

According to the second invention, any one of the switching means switches the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state based on the key instruction, so that the user can directly The held state can be switched from the second state to the first state by an instruction.

According to the third invention, any one of the switching means extracts a command consisting of specific information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means, executes the instruction, and stores the state retained in the retaining means. Since the state of 2 is switched to the first state,
An instruction from an external device can be extracted during the second state to switch the held state from the second state to the first state.

According to the fourth invention, during the second state, the specific information inputted by the information input means from the external device is extracted and accumulated in the input information accumulating means. Even if there is, the information for switching to the first state can be received from the external device.

According to the fifth invention, it is specified from the first state in which the record information generating means successively generates the record information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means. Second to extract and execute information of
In a state in which any one of the above states is held by the holding means, a predetermined key instruction causes the timekeeping means to start counting a predetermined time after the transition from the first state to the second state, Since the switching means switches the second state held by the holding means to the first state in accordance with the time counting end state, the first state is reached when a predetermined time has elapsed after the key instruction to the second state was made. Can be automatically switched to.

According to the sixth invention, during the second state, the specific information inputted from the external device by the information input means is extracted and accumulated in the input information accumulating means, and is specified from the accumulated information. Command from the external device is extracted from the external device during execution of the second condition while the command held by the holding means is switched from the second condition to the first condition by executing the extracted command. Can be extracted and the held state can be switched from the second state to the first state.

Therefore, from the first state to the second side on the printer side.
Even if the key instruction for returning from the second state to the first state is not issued after the instruction to shift to the state 1), it is possible to automatically return to the state of the first state so that the printing can be started. And so on.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of another printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of another printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus, a host computer, and a control configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a principal block diagram for explaining a data communication processing state by the communication LSI shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing procedure in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of an online switching method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

9 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication processing procedure on the host computer side shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an off-line / on-line in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of online control.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 200 Communication LSI

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information input means for inputting information from an external device, a recording information generation means for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input means, and the recording information generation means. In a printing apparatus having an information printing unit for recording the record information, the input information storage unit for temporarily storing the input information input by the information input unit, and the record information generation from the information stored in the input information storage unit. Holding means for holding any one of a first state in which the recording information is sequentially generated by the means and a second state in which specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and executed. A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of switching means for switching the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the switching means switches the state held by the holding means from the second state to the first state based on a key instruction. 3. Any one of the switching means extracts a command consisting of specific information from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and executes the instruction to change the state held in the holding means from the second state to the first state. 2. The state is switched to the above state.
The printing device described. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein during the second state, specific information input from the external device by the information input unit is extracted and stored in the input information storage unit. 5. An information input means for inputting information from an external device, a recording information generation means for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information input means, and the recording information generation means. In a printing apparatus having an information printing unit for recording the record information, the input information storage unit for temporarily storing the input information input by the information input unit, and the record information generation from the information stored in the input information storage unit. Holding means for holding any one of a first state in which the recording information is sequentially generated by the means and a second state in which specific information is extracted from the information accumulated in the input information accumulating means and executed. , A time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after the transition from the first state to the second state by a predetermined key instruction, and the time measuring end state by the time measuring means. A printing device comprising: a switching unit that switches the second state held by the holding unit to the first state accordingly. 6. An information inputting means for inputting information from an external device, a recording information generating means for generating recording information based on the input information input by the information inputting means, and a recording information generating means for generating the recording information. Information printing means for recording the record information, input information storage means for temporarily storing the input information input by the information input means, and sequential recording by the record information generation means from the information stored in the input information storage means Printing apparatus having a first state for generating information and a holding unit for holding any one of a second state for extracting and executing specific information from the information stored in the input information storage unit In the state switching method, the storage step of extracting specific information input from the external device by the information input means and storing it in the input information storage means during the second state, An instruction extraction step of extracting an instruction consisting of specific information from the accumulated information, and a switching step of executing the extracted instruction to switch the state held in the holding means from the second state to the first state A method for changing the state of a printing apparatus, comprising: